Students interested in finding out more about green-collar jobs met with environmental professionals from local and state organizations Monday in the Student Union for the Green Careers Panel Discussion, hosted by Career Services.
The panelists discussed numerous aspects of green careers - everything from what students can do during college to prepare for green jobs to the different types of jobs available.
"Green jobs are really touching every profession that's out there," said Mark Casell, manager of Green Building Services for Ecology and Environment, Inc. (E&E), an environmental consulting firm.
E&E was founded in 1970 and participated in environmental cleanups of areas like the Love Canal neighborhood in Niagara Falls after the discovery of toxic waste in the area in 1978.
"Since then, E&E has taken a more proactive role, such as regulating wastes, and those that will soon be regulated, like carbon emissions," Casell said.
While a science degree is beneficial for those who want to work in environmental careers, students with other majors can find jobs in the industry, too, the panelists said.
Brian Smith, Western New York program director for the non-profit organization Citizens Campaign for the Environment, was a political science major in college and took some environmental classes, as well. He interned for a New York State Senator, and now lobbies for environmental laws and policies.
"It was helpful for me to be on the other end... and have that experience in a political office," he said.
The Buffalo Zoo also has opportunities in areas like marketing and art for those who do not want to work directly with animals, according to Tiffany Vanderwerf, zoo curator of education and one of the panelists at the event.
"Enough cannot be said for public relations and marketing," Casell said. "It's important to be able to put it into pop culture terms [so that] people can apply it to their own lives."
Casell said there is a need for people who can educate the public on the impact of things like recycling and conserving energy, which doesn't necessarily require a degree in science.
"Being conversant with the issues is important," said David Denk, deputy regional permit administrator for the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. "If you're educated in the issues and the opportunity presents itself... you may have a chance to influence [a company] more."
He explained that the department is primarily a regulatory agency that considers the environmental impact of activities like coal mining and farming, on areas ranging from camp grounds to streams and wet lands.
"I tell students that they might not go into a green job, [but] no matter what they go into, they're going to have to make their job more green," said Edward Brodka, staff associate for Career Services who moderated the discussion.
Internships are an important component to finding a green job, the panelists said.
The zoo has a variety of internship positions available that fill up quickly. The zoo looks for interns who are dedicated and will put in extra effort, Vanderwerf said.
"It's your opportunity to show someone you have a passion for it," she said.
E&E has internships available in a number of areas, from landscaping to preservation, like moving dessert tortoises to protect them from negative effects of construction projects.
"E&E has all kinds of intern opportunities depending on what you want to do and where you want to spend your summer," Casell said.
The state of the economy has affected environmental jobs in different ways. While jobs working with animals at zoos are limited, some are available, depending on mobility, Vanderwerf said.
"You chances are far less than if you're willing to move to a different city," she said.
According to Casell, E&E is doing well despite the economy, because of the potential for job creation within environmental fields. For example, the use of wind power requires everything from technicians to power the windmills to people to conduct environmental studies to assess their impact.
Students found the panel discussion to be helpful and informative.
"It reiterates that it's more important to get experience with education than just education alone," said Sarah Lavin, a junior biology major.
Daniel Poore, a freshman chemical engineering major, is interested in wildlife management and wants to find a way to tie the two together.
"There's more that I can do with the environment that I didn't think of," he said.
The panelists agreed that a passion for the environment is essential to working in a green job.
"It struck a chord with me personally," said Denk. "It was easily something I could get up everyday and not get bored with."
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
